APRIL62025

Jesus had a pastoral practice different from the way I was taught. As a confessor, I was trained to see if the penitent had a “firm purpose of amendment.” In other words, before giving absolution there should be some evidence that the person is sorry for what they did and resolved not to do it again. Even though both confessor and penitent knew that backsliding was possible, even likely, at least at that moment one’s intention is sure. In the Gospel of John Jesus does not wait for a “firm purpose of amendment.”  “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” The woman never is asked to repent of her sin. Instead Jesus offers compassion simply because she needs it. He gives the grace of forgiveness unasked and unearned. By having a non-condemnatory attitude, Jesus sends the message tha the woman is so much more than what her behavior showed. It is kind of like a teacher who undertands that having high expectations of a student can inspire them to live up to their potential. This woman, like all of us, has the potential to become a saint if she, and we, let the compassion of God shape our lives.